Preps

Farragut coach resigns to pursue masters degree

By LAURA LEE
Published April 8, 2004

ST. PETERSBURG - After leading Admiral Farragut to consecutive trips to the state playoffs, coach Mark Robertson has resigned.

Robertson spent two years with the Blue Jackets and coached them to their first district championship in 2002. That year Robertson also began pursuing his masters degree in educational leadership. With the demands of his family and professional goals, he said he and his wife decided he should leave Farragut.

"I felt like it was time to turn another page in my life and see what else is next," he said. Without the responsibilities of coaching, Robertson expects to graduate from Nova Southeastern University this time next year. Now a science teacher and scuba instructor at Farragut, he no longer will teach at the school. If he had continued coaching at the school, he said it could possibly add a year to his goal of becoming a school administrator.

After a district title and an 8-3 record in 2002, the team struggled last season, finishing 5-6 with an at-large bid to the playoffs. While Robertson said last season was tough, he isn't ruling out coaching again, and he appreciated the opportunity at Farragut.

Athletic director Mike Wells said the administration hadn't started looking for a coach but would prefer to select someone on staff, because they can keep up with the players' academics. Wells said inside candidates who were assistant coaches may decide to apply, but no steps have been made to fill the position.

"He was a pretty good football coach when he came to us.," Wells said of Robertson. "He sure planted some good seeds for whoever comes in."